Why is parent income information required on the FAFSA?
All applicants under the age of 24 are considered by the federal government as “dependent” students; therefore parent(s) income is required. Parents are expected to assist with college costs for their children to the extent that they are able. Financial aid can only be offered to fill any “gap” between what it costs to attend and what the FAFSA information indicates the family can provide. In “unique circumstances”, a student under 24 may file an appeal for “independent” status. The appeal criteria and documentation requirements are available in the Financial Aid Library.
Related Questions
- My parent(s) lost their job and their income will be substantially different from the original amount reported on the FAFSA. What should we do?
- Why do I have to include my parents income information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
- What if the parent income level decreases after the FAFSA has been submitted?
